Get Out and Have an Adventure! Student Activities Committee Puts Fun Pittsburgh Destinations in Students' Reach Wednesday, March 5, 2025

One of the major advantages to Point Park University’s Downtown Pittsburgh campus is the easy access to cultural activities. One activity committee is making it easier than ever for students to discover and experience those opportunities.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) Outings and Adventures Committee plans monthly events for students to explore local outings. The ticket fees are subsidized by CAB, so students pay a fraction of the actual cost for the experiences.

So far this year, those experiences included a river cruise on the Gateway Clipper fleet, seeing MJ the Musical, ice skating at PPG Place, playing games at Dave & Busters and going to Kennywood during Phantom Fall Fest.

During the highest attended event of the year, which was held in partnership with Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL), 69 students went to a Pittsburgh Penguins game. The $10 ticket cost included a winter hat with the Point Park logo, and after the game, the students were invited onto the ice for a photo.

All of these events were offered to students for far cheaper than typical admissions prices, typically between $5-$15. The most expensive event was $25 tickets for the musical — still a very good deal.

 

Vincent Mohr, a sophomore dance major with a concentration in ballet, chairs the committee. 

"A big part of the reason I chose to go to college [rather than apprenticing with a dance company] was for those opportunities outside of dance," Mohr said.

Mohr is from Los Angeles and comfortable in the city. Point Park’s Downtown location was a major factor in Mohr's decision to attend.

"In comparison to other schools I was looking at, Pittsburgh has so much culture and exciting things about the city," Mohr said. He saw chairing the committee as an opportunity to help others experience the city as well. 

"The goal is to get people out and about, build community and help students embrace Pittsburgh as home," he said. "Not only is college about the experiences you’re getting in your classes, but it’s also about experiencing the city."

Thea Smith, Campus Activities Board executive director, has been impressed with Mohr's leadership.

"I think it helps that Vincent is from California rather than Pennsylvania, so we are getting a fresh set of eyes on what could be fun for all students whether they are from here or not," Smith said. "I love seeing the campus community get together to take on the entire city rather than just our small campus!" 

Mohr says he considers a couple of factors when choosing a destination. Not only does he try to think about a variety of interests, but he also tries to do as many as possible at locations that are either walkable or accessible on public transportation, since Point Park students have free bus and light rail fare through the U-Pass program.

Keely Sapienza, director of SAIL and Student Center, said, "Vincent has a remarkable ability to tap into what students want, and he’s turning those ideas into reality. Every event he’s planned so far has sold out, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the lineup unfolds."

Upcoming events include a trip to the Museum of Illusions, a queer-friendly line dancing class taught by 412 Step, a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium and a flipturn concert at Stage AE.

More About: Downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Campus Activities Board, Stage AE, Pittsburgh Penguins, ballet, dance, student trips